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Abstract:

The method of replacing the electrical components of a monitoring system.
The method includes attaching a housing that contains a battery, sensor
and other electronic components to a container. Next, a first lid that
contains electronic components that are electrically connected to the
sensor in the housing via an electronic cable is removed by detaching the
electric cable from the electronic components of the lid. A second lid is
then provided wherein the electric cable is electrically connected to the
second lid at which point in time the second lid is secured to the
housing to complete the replacement.

Claims:

1. A method of replacing electrical components of a monitoring system
steps comprising: providing a housing containing a power source and a
sensor; said housing having a first lid secured thereto wherein the first
lid has electronic components electrically connected to the sensor in the
housing via an electric cable; removing the first lid from the housing
and detaching the electric cable from the electronic components of the
first lid; connecting the electric cable to electronic components of a
second lid; and securing the second lid to the housing.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the housing is made of a polycarbonate
material.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the lid has a communication card
electrically connected to the electronic components.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the housing contains a solar panel.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the lid has a screen opposite the
electronic components.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein a detachable electronic cable connects
the electronic components disposed within the housing to the electronic
components of the first lid.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to monitoring systems for measuring
materials in a container. More specifically, this application relates to
the replacing of electrical components of a monitoring system.

[0002] Monitoring or detection systems for determining the material level
in a container are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2008/0011970 to Mruk teaches such a detection system and
is incorporated in full herein. While such systems are sufficient at
determining material level in a container, problems exists changing out
communication cards and electronic components when such need to be
replaced, updated, or changed based upon use with a particular
communication system. Thus, a need exists for an improved system that
facilitates replacement of parts of such systems.

[0003] Therefore, a principal object of the present invention is to
facilitate the replacing of electrical components of a monitoring system.
These and other objects, features and advantages will become apparent
from the specification and claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A method of replacing electrical components of a monitoring system.
The method includes attaching a housing containing a battery and a sensor
to a container. The housing has a first lid that is secured thereto that
has electrical components electrically connected the sensor in the
housing via an electric cable. Next, the first lid is removed from the
housing and the electric cable is detached from the electrical
components. The electric cable is then connected to the electrical
components of a second lid and the second lid is secured to the housing
accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a monitoring system; and

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an open monitoring system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] The Figures show a monitoring system 10 and method of replacing
components of the same. The system 10 has a housing 12 that in a
preferred embodiment is made of a polycarbonate material. Disposed within
the housing 12 are a battery 14, sensor 16, an electrical connection to a
solar panel 18 and other electronic components 20 that are electrically
connected to one another to provide detecting the monitoring of a
container (not shown). Detachably secured to the housing 12 is a lid 22
that contains electronic components 24 and a communication card 26 are
operated by the battery 14, sensor 16, solar panel 18 and other
electronic components 20 within the housing. On an opposite side the lid
22 further has a screen 27 that provides a digital display. A detachable
electronic cable 28 connects the electronic components 20 within the
housing 12 with the electronic components 24 contained on the lid 22 such
that an electrical connection is provided and the lid 22 may be secured
to the housing 12 for operation.

[0008] When a communication card or electronic components 24 need to be
replaced a first lid 22 is removed from the housing 12. At that point in
time the electronic cables 28 are removed from the electronic components
24 of the lid 22 and the lid, including the electronic components 24 and
communication card 26, can be taken for repair or analysis. Then, a
second lid 22 containing electronic components 24 and a communication
card 26 can be attached to the electronic cable 28 to provide an
electrical connection between the electric components 20 within the
housing 12 and the electrical components 24 of the second lid 22. At this
point in time the second lid 22 is secured to the housing 12.

[0009] Thus, provided is an improved monitoring system that facilitates
the replacement of electronic components 24 and communication card 26. By
having a two-piece system connected by cables 28 the lid 22 having the
system is easily replaced. Thus, an individual can unclip first lid 22
and put in a second lid 22 in seconds for easy installation and
replacement. Thus, at the very least all of the stated objectives have
been met.

[0010] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other
various modifications could be made to the device without departing from
the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and
changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be
covered thereby.